During a recent episode of AEW Collision in March 2026, Tommaso Ciampa shocked fans by turning heel for the first time in AEW, targeting fellow veteran Mark Briscoe. Ciampa initially appeared to support Briscoe before suddenly attacking him with a series of punches, culminating in a running knee to the stage. This moment marked a major shift in Ciampa’s character and quickly ignited debate among wrestling fans.
The “Tommaso Ciampa heel turn” attracted intense criticism on social media, where many viewers observed that his betrayal of Briscoe closely mirrored Ciampa’s infamous heel turn against Johnny Gargano at WWE NXT TakeOver: Chicago. This resemblance led to accusations that AEW had copied the concept outright from WWE’s earlier storyline.
Social Media Reaction Highlights Accusations of Unoriginality
Several fans voiced frustration on platforms like Twitter, emphasizing how the AEW segment seemed like an unoriginal retread of Ciampa’s previous work in WWE. The resemblance extended beyond the dramatic betrayal; the sequence’s style and move set drew direct parallels to the 2017 NXT TakeOver event that made headlines for its emotional heel turn.
Ripping off the Ending of NXT Takeover Chicago
You really can’t come up with anything different can you 🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/iq359q43Qf
— JaydenBlue18 (@JayydenBlue18) March 8, 2026
Proving once again that this company is nothing more than a glorified nostalgia act
— ㅤ (@subZZro) March 8, 2026
LOL Another NXT Black and Gold alum rehashing the hits from yesteryear because without HHH these guys are directionless.
— Free Smoke (@yomamahouce) March 8, 2026
Wow how original, never saw that coming
— JokerBMF 🃏 🃏 🇺🇸 ☝️ (@WakehamBobby) March 8, 2026
TK apparently of big fan of black and gold era NXT
— Hayvok (@hayvokblue) March 8, 2026
So they doing the gargano and clampa feud basically with them
— x (@obeymarxos) March 8, 2026
Laughs in Triple H and William Regal
— 🤼🖤💙⭐⭐🏎️ (@intern4zionale) March 8, 2026
Way to make the turn on Gargano looks pathetic now. Whoa. At least make it look like it’s not the same.
— Joey🇺🇸 (@myronix123) March 8, 2026
Copy paste NXT TAKEOVER CHICAGO??? boy so lazy y’all Anyway happy for Ciampa
— EtTuDhruv (@ettudhruv7) March 8, 2026
Ciampa’s Journey in AEW and Previous WWE Highlights
Tommaso Ciampa made his AEW debut in January 2026, arriving as a fan-favorite and immediately answering Mark Briscoe’s challenge for the AEW TNT Championship. Within days, Ciampa captured the title but lost it shortly after, in only eleven days, to Kyle Fletcher. Notably, Briscoe had unintentionally cost Ciampa a rematch prior to this betrayal, which some see as contextual motivation for Ciampa’s sudden change in demeanor.
Fans familiar with Ciampa’s NXT history quickly drew connections between his AEW heel turn and his earlier infamous betrayal of Johnny Gargano. The latter moment was a pivotal storyline in WWE’s development of Ciampa’s character, and the striking similarities have led some to question AEW’s creative direction when developing new narratives for former WWE stars.
Potential Implications for AEW’s Creative Direction and Fan Perception
The backlash against Tommaso Ciampa’s heel turn raises questions about AEW’s reliance on familiar storylines from WWE’s past, especially involving talent formerly associated with WWE’s NXT brand. This episode adds tension to AEW’s ongoing efforts to establish its own unique identity amid a landscape where fans closely compare its narratives with WWE’s legacy.
Given the discussions around originality and creative authenticity, AEW may face pressure to innovate more distinct story arcs moving forward. Tommaso Ciampa’s heel turn, whether viewed as homage or imitation, exemplifies the challenges promotions face in balancing legacy moments with fresh content that meets fans’ high expectations.
Ripping off the Ending of NXT Takeover Chicago
You really can't come up with anything different can you 🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/iq359q43Qf
— JaydenBlue18 (@JayydenBlue18) March 8, 2026
Proving once again that this company is nothing more than a glorified nostalgia act
— ㅤ (@subZZro) March 8, 2026
LOL Another NXT Black and Gold alum rehashing the hits from yesteryear because without HHH these guys are directionless.
— Free Smoke (@yomamahouce) March 8, 2026
Wow how original, never saw that coming
— JokerBMF 🃏 🃏 🇺🇸 ☝️ (@WakehamBobby) March 8, 2026
TK apparently of big fan of black and gold era NXT
— Hayvok (@hayvokblue) March 8, 2026
So they doing the gargano and clampa feud basically with them
— x (@obeymarxos) March 8, 2026
Laughs in Triple H and William Regal
— 🤼🖤💙⭐⭐🏎️ (@intern4zionale) March 8, 2026
Way to make the turn on Gargano looks pathetic now. Whoa. At least make it look like it's not the same.
— Joey🇺🇸 (@myronix123) March 8, 2026
Copy paste NXT TAKEOVER CHICAGO??? boy so lazy y’all
Anyway happy for Ciampa— EtTuDhruv (@ettudhruv7) March 8, 2026
